Quote Of The Day: This Car Is Not A Mobile Device Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

I’m not in the business of helping people Tweet better, I’m not in the business of helping people post to Facebook better. My job is to make sure we keep people safe behind the wheel. I’m not going to deny the fact that people want these things. They do. Especially the generation behind us. They’re used to being connected 24 hours a day.

A car is not a mobile device — a car is a car. We will not take a backseat while new telematics and infotainment systems are introduced. There is too much potential for distraction of drivers.

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland took the war on distraction to the enemy in a speech to an auto technology conference, reports Bloomberg. With nearly every manufacturer racing towards ever greater implementation of connectivity, communication and entertainment systems in cars, Strickland’s rhetorical line in the sand foreshadows a serious confrontation between industry and government. Either that, or this is just Ray LaHood-style hot air calculated to make it look like something’s happening.

In any case, the industry has yet to develop a concerted strategy to deal with what has thus far been a largely rhetorical government assault on its new(ish) cash cow. But if Strickland keeps suggesting specific action, the OEMs (who are pledging cooperation) will want to agree on a line of their own (with statistics to back it up) where they can stand together. Thus far that line seems to be “hands free,” but the statistics there don’t seem strong enough to hold off a regulatory offensive. On the other hand, this is clearly another one of those policy discussions that draws a wide variety of responses

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

More by Edward Niedermeyer

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 13 comments
  • Banger Banger on Jun 10, 2011

    I was reading the headline for this before the pix loaded (slow net day, apparently) and thinking to myself how apt a photo of the Nissan Cube would be here. And when the image loaded, voila! A Cube video! Interestingly, the Cube "Mobile Device," (as it is officially labeled on the dealer sticker, I'll have you know,) includes Bluetooth hands-free phone ability on all (or all but the base?) models. We use it in ours every day. As for texting, we don't do that unless we absolutely can't get in touch with someone any other way (usually because they've forgotten that a phone is for...and I know this is a surprise...phone calls!) and we most definitely don't do it behind the wheel. And we're what the media would call "Generation Y" or whatever. So take comfort knowing some of us are actively resisting the temptations to drive while distracted by electronic bits and bobs.

  • Zackman Zackman on Jun 10, 2011

    Ahhh...to drive in silence most of the time with no radio or CD and especially not on the phone - especially the phone, as I have an eye issue and need to keep my focus on driving and not being distracted for any reason - ever!

  • HalfMast HalfMast on Jun 10, 2011

    I have to admit that I'm torn on this one.... This really seems like over-regulation to me, and one that would stifle inovation. I know the numbers are not overwhealming, but I have to look at the hands-free technologies and navigation system integrations as being safer alternatives to having seperate, hand-held (or window suction cupped) devices. On the other hand, I've seen the red-light running and yellow line crossing that everyone else has and is just as concerned. Distractions are clearly a problem and becoming more numerous. I would have a hard time supporting regulation against system expansion until we've gotten a better handle on texting and driving, etc. One thing at a time.

  • BklynPete BklynPete on Jun 10, 2011

    When I call or get a call from someone who is driving, I say "let's talk later." Their excuse is always "but I'm hands-free." My response is "Are you also brains-free? Pull over, or call me when you're done driving." That usually gets a laugh and a call back. It's really the same-old government intervention vs. rights of the individual debate that's been going on for about 50 years. The dangers are real and NHTSA has very good intentions, but no one has figured out how to regulate common sense. When faced with how to use all this technology, the practical answer is very simple: PULL YOUR DAMNED CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!

Next